On The Cusp

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A stunning original work by Rod McIntosh

Price: SOLD

Ink on Chinese mulberry paper, mounted to Fabriano cartridge (120gsm) gesso and 24 carat gold leaf on birch panel, bees wax polished edges.

This work is from Rod McIntosh’s ‘Eccentric Moments’ Series that explores the form of an ellipse: an off-centre/eccentric circle that is created with a more fluid and dynamic brush stroke, often a mix of speed and weight on the paper, giving a difference in the mark the brush makes. This series works with the tension between a rehearsed, planned and intended mark (the ellipse) and the unplanned, unintentional drips of ink from the laden brush. The notions of the perfect and imperfect, being present and the parts either side of the moment, and bringing beauty and attention to this.

Rod McIntosh’s current work is in the tradition of drawing, following traditional eastern ink recipes on delicate Chinese papers. His mark-making is a process guided by mindfulness, each fluid movement with his brush is connected to his body and breath in a manner of meditation. Being an artist, for Rod, is not just about being defined by the time and work created in the studio and the bricks and mortar of a studio, it is an all-encompassing part of who he is and vital to who he is. These rituals, these activities are the pillars to support that creativity and well-being. He speaks of his works as; “Physical meditations, that offers himself, and the viewer, a moment to pause.” The muted, monotone palette of his striking, minimalist works echo the quiet and calm meditative state that is so integral to his process.

“The black and white mark is an original ink painting created with one single gestural flow that I have rehearsed, choreographed, embodying the movement of my feet, arms, whole body and the brush whilst registering the breath; the inhale/exhale. After a time, when I feel I am in the flow and the mark is good to be seen, I use an ink and water solution to see what the movement I have registered to muscle memory looks like. Any revisions to the movement can be made and the image is discarded or wiped away. Again I will practice the mark with a wet brush as it behaves/feels differently to dry brush. And only when I feel confident, present in the moment do I dip the brush into the full ink solution and make the mark. You get one chance to record the moment.”